Development of Aquanaut Selection Procedures: Establishing Psychological Evaluation Criteria and Processes for Underwater Space Inhabitants

Objective The exploration of underwater space is rapidly becoming a critical area of focus due to its potential to create new industries. In response, the Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries launched the Development of Underwater Space Resource Creation Technologies Project in 2022. A key factor for the success of underwater missions is the selection of optimal candidates. This study aims to establish criteria and procedures for selecting the most suitable individuals for underwater missions. Methods The selection procedure was developed following an extensive review of existing selection protocols used in other isolated, confined, and extreme (ICE) environments, along with the physical and psychological demands unique to underwater conditions. Then, a multidisciplinary team reviewed and refined the procedure based on their expertise and recommendations. Results The selection process consisted of two phases: the “select-out” phase, which screens out applicants at high risk for physical or mental health issues, and the “select-in” phase, which identifies candidates most suitable for the mission. The procedure involves six steps: screening, initial physical assessment, psychometric evaluation, specialized assessments, personal interviews followed by a comprehensive assessment, and final selection. Conclusion This proposed selection procedure offers a structured, practical framework that can be applied to missions involving underwater habitation. However, further research is needed to refine this approach and ensure mission success in the underwater environment.